We’re in a position that probably not many fans expected heading into the latter stages of December, with Preston North End currently sat in sixth.
Granted, PNE are only two points clear of Millwall in seventh as things stand and with teams jumping up and down the division all the time in the Championship, it could be a different story when January eventually hits. However, right now, Ryan Lowe has the side in a better position than ever and the club really need to capitalise on this opportunity while they can.
The right business in the January window could lead to a renewed push for the play-offs – but only if North End don’t allow themselves to stagnate behind some of their rivals. That will mean adding some striking reinforcements, as well as doing some business elsewhere. With Troy Parrott still injured and bagging just one goal despite some solid showings and Emil Riis managing only five so far, additions could be useful. Sean Maguire also has a tally of zero goals in four starts and whilst Ched Evans is in excellent form right now with five goals, it could be worth adding an extra body.
With that in mind then, here are three strikers PNE need to target in the January window. That includes a permanent move and two potential loan switches.
1. Cameron Archer – Aston Villa (Loan)
If there is one man that any Preston North End fan wants to see back at Deepdale come January, it’s Cameron Archer.
During his last loan spell with PNE, he made quite the impact. Despite only playing for the club for six months, he ended up bagging seven goals in just 18 Championship starts, with one assist. It led to him being the club’s second-highest scorer, despite only playing for them for half a season.
Despite his age, he has already displayed some extremely strong technical ability when on the ball and is capable of creating chances both for himself and his teammates. He’s even adept at passing, with some superb vision that belies his youth.
Adding a player like him to the forward line pretty much guarantees some more goals, which is exactly what is needed at North End. If he joins, even for six months again, it could be the difference between the play-offs and missing out.
2. Jordan Hugill – Norwich (Permanent)
Would it be wrong to suggest a permanent move to bring Jordan Hugill back to the club from Norwich?
Some fans have complained in the past about looking back on the history of PNE and longing for players to return. Whilst this is the case here – he was superb for us and bagged 23 goals during his time in the Championship with us – it still would represent some good business if it got over the line.
Hugill is exactly the type of player Ryan Lowe would want. Granted, the striker is now into his thirties, but that stands him in good stead in terms of the experience factor. The manager has previously stated that he wants more players well-versed in second tier football to come to Deepdale and considering he has played in over 250 Championship outings, he definitely has that.
Apart from his wages – which might be a stumbling block since his big-money move up to West Ham from us – he might be available on the cheap in terms of a fee considering he is not a regular with the Canaries. He’s played just seven times this season and might be available, if we’re lucky, for a six-figure fee. It could represent some good business.
3. Adam Idah – Norwich (Loan)
Raiding Norwich again for their striking options could see us looking at a player we are all too familiar with in Adam Idah.
Right now, the Canaries forward is not currently in the first-team picture at Carrow Road. He has struggled through injury and it has meant only two appearances in the Championship so far for the player. A permanent switch is likely off the cards – he’s young and probably expensive and we don’t have a budget that could even consider swooping for Idah – but a loan deal could certainly be possible.
He needs more action and having been exposed to his goalscoring exploits in the cup previously, it shows just how capable he can be against some of the teams in the second tier. He knows where the back of the net is and has some flair to his game so could really brighten up our forward line.
If he can get fit and is available on a short-term basis then, he should certainly be an option for PNE.